Funds to provide training to supervisors in oil and gas industry
Lakewood–Red Rocks Community College’s Rocky Mountain Education Center (RMEC) has received a new grant award from the US Department of Labor’s OSHA. The Susan Harwood Grant Program has awarded $139,148 to provide communication and leadership training-of-trainers in the upstream oil and gas onshore industry operating in Colorado and North Dakota. Those responsible for in-house supervisor training from companies with employees of 250 or less will be invited to participate in the grant training in which they will receive course curriculum and guidance in adult learning practices.
Given the rapid growth in the oil and gas industry in our region, new companies are forming in support of the drilling and well servicing work underway. Preparing skilled technicians is only one aspect of the workforce challenges. As skilled technicians are promoted from the ranks as field leaders, referred to as pushers or the person in charge (PIC), these emerging leaders are responsible now to effectively communicate the job tasks as well as the safe work procedures.
These field leaders are responsible for carrying out the vision of the organization in how the work in the field gets done, and according to RMEC Executive Director Joan Smith, the new Field Leadership Program for Upstream Onshore Oil and Gas Exploration and Production is a result of a multi-year effort of industry leaders that met monthly with staff from RMEC to develop new training programs for employees. OSHA recognized the first course developed by the industry team as the new OSHA 5810 Hazard Recognition course. The team is pleased to once again be recognized by OSHA with the receipt of a Susan Harwood Award for the Field Leadership Program.
About RMEC/OSHA Training Institute: Rocky Mountain Education Center is an OSHA authorized Education Center serving Region VIII since 1992. RMEC is a leader in many areas of technical education and certification training with courses offered in health and safety, water and storm water management, electrical code, renewable energy and energy efficiency. RMEC provides on-site/Customized Training worldwide that includes locations in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. For more information on RMEC, please contact Joan Smith, Executive Director, at joan.smith@rrcc.edu or 303.914.6420.
About Red Rocks Community College: Established in 1969, Red Rocks Community College delivers high-quality, affordable education programs leading to two-year degrees or professional certificates. The college serves over 15,000 students per year online and at campus locations in Lakewood and Arvada. www.rrcc.edu.